2nd SACNAS Annual Symposiumsacnasuprmcyt.weebly.com/.../0/25700127/sacnas_uprm...The SACNAS UPRM...

2nd SACNAS Annual Symposium Science & Technology, Innovation through Research

________________________________________________________________

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez April 24-25, 2014

!"

"Table of Contents

Sponsors 1

Symposium Supporters 2

Organizing Committee 3

Keynote Speakers 5

Schedule of Events 7

Agenda 8

Presenters in Alphabetical Order 10

Abstracts of Oral Presentations 18

Oral Session I Physics and Geology Agricultural Sciences and Marine Sciences

18

Oral Session II Biology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry

19

Oral Session III Engineering, Math, and Computation

21

Abstracts of Poster Presentations 24

Poster Session I Engineering, Math, and Computation Physics and Geology

24

Poster Session II Biology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry Agricultural Sciences and Marine Sciences

33

Abstracts, Oral and Poster Judges 45

Notes 47


________________________________________________________________


!"

"Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Bronze Sponsor

Marine Sciences Department – UPR-Mayagüez Informative Booth: Friday, April 25

"


________________________________________________________________


#"

"Symposium Supporters

Society for the Advancement for Hispanics/Chicanos and Native

Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS) UPRM Mission

The SACNAS University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez Chapter is dedicated to the development of outstanding undergraduate students in leadership roles and science careers. Acknowledging that one of the main obstacles for the advancement of Hispanic students is the lack of knowledge about the opportunities available for them after graduation, we are determined to inform and prepare them to follow the career path of their dreams. About

The SACNAS UPRM Chapter was established in 2007. Its longstanding commitment to the development of undergraduate students has led us to win six consecutive SACNAS Role Model Awards:

- Excellence in Teamwork (2008) - Professional Development (2009) - Long-Term Excellence (2010) - Chapter of the Year (2011) - Outstanding Regional Leadership (2012) - Outstanding Community Service (2013)

Center for Hemispherical Cooperation in Research and Education

in Engineering and Applied Sciences (CoHemis) History

CoHemis was founded in November of 1991 in a conference sponsored by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez. It had the participation of delegates from national science and technology organizations from the United States, Canada, and twelve countries from Latin American and the Caribbean. The assembly produced a unanimous declaration creating CoHemis, naming an advisory council to help mold its organization, and endorsing the Mayagüez Campus of the University of Puerto Rico as its site. Since then, other countries have joined the declaration, and their national councils of science and technology have named delegates to the Center.

After NSF funding was finished, the University of Puerto Rico has continued funding CoHemis, together with the collaboration of cooperating institutions, allowing the Center to carry on and increase its level of service based on initiatives for specific activities. Also, the government of Puerto Rico, federal agencies, and the private sector have been backing the Center's activities since its creation. It also benefits from collaborative efforts with Consortium members, international agencies, and entities from other countries of the hemisphere.

Mission

Promote and facilitate the development of human resources, technology, and programs that help to organize research and educational initiatives in science and engineering for the benefit of the western hemisphere countries.


________________________________________________________________


$"

"Organizing Committee

Carolina J. García García Undergraduate Student Biology [email protected]

Héctor J. Esparra Escalera Undergraduate Student Biology [email protected]

Amy J. Acevedo Hernández Undergraduate Student Biology [email protected]

Wanda M. Ortiz Báez Undergraduate Student Biology [email protected]

""


________________________________________________________________


%"

"Organizing Committee

Diliani Roldán Irizarry Undergraduate Student Biology and Industrial Microbiology [email protected]

Gelson Pagán Díaz Undergraduate Student Mechanical Engineering and Physics [email protected]

Nayda G. Santiago Santiago, PhD, PE Professor Electrical and Computer Engineering [email protected]

Fernando Gilbes Santaella, PhD Professor Geology [email protected]


________________________________________________________________


&"

"Keynote Speakers

Juan C. Martínez Cruzado, PhD Professor, Department of Biology, UPR–Mayagüez Principal Investigator, Local Genome Diversity Studies and Adopt a Gene Dr. Martínez-Cruzado received his BS in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and received his PhD in Biology from Harvard University, where he remained as a Post-Doctoral Fellow. “Puerto Rico Genomes: Migration, Admixture, and Population Medical Genetics” Thursday, April 24 at 9:45 am Abstract: Muchas de las variantes genéticas que se encuentran en alta frecuencia en algunas poblaciones en particular han surgido y se han seleccionado en respuesta a factores ambientales específicos de la región. Es de esperarse que el genoma de estas poblaciones produzca otras variantes que lo adapten a las variantes seleccionadas. Así, pueden formarse redes adaptativas de alelos específicas para la población. Teóricamente, están constituidas por alelos que enmascaran los aspectos negativos de otros alelos y cuyos aspectos negativos son enmascarados por otros alelos. Estas redes se rompen con el mestizaje, desenmascarando así la capacidad de estos alelos de incrementar el riesgo a enfermedades de etiología compleja. Los puertorriqueños somos el resultado de un proceso extenso de mestizaje. Luego de estimar las proporciones europeas, africanas e indígenas en Puerto Rico, su distribución por individuos, por región geográfica y por clase social, presentaremos los orígenes subcontinentales de estas diferencias y su historia demográfica. Richard S. Appeldoorn, PhD Professor, Department of Marine Sciences, UPR–Mayagüez Principal Investigator at Magueyes Marine Laboratories Chair, Science and Statistics Committee, US Caribbean Fishery Management Council Dr. Appeldoorn received his BS in Environmental Science from Rutgers University and his PhD in (Biological) Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island. “Opening unknown depths: Coral ecosystems at the edge of light” Thursday, April 24 at 1:30 pm Abstract: Mesophotic coral ecosystems are characterized by light-dependent corals, algae and sponges living at the limits of the light necessary for photosynthesis. A recently completed a five-year investigation focused on these little understood ecosystems from 50-100 m depth based on a man-in-the-sea approach using mixed-gas rebreather diving. The objectives were to characterize these ecosystems, determine the factors affecting the distribution, determine their connectivity to shallow ecosystems and evaluate their vulnerability. The primary work was conducted off La Parguera, Puerto Rico, but also included three U.S. Caribbean-wide cruises. This study found extensive and biologically diverse coral ecosystems occurring at mesophotic depths. These patchy yet potentially predictable communities have distinct benthic communities, but also harbor species that were once common inhabitants of shallow reefs such as groupers, snappers, and reef sharks. Yet these communities are potentially just as vulnerable to anthropogenic stress as shallow-water ecosystems. Because of their unique biodiversity, vulnerability, interconnectivity with shallow ecosystems and potential to restore depleted fish stocks, protection on these ecosystems is essential, and such efforts should be linked to conservation management of connected shallow-water coral reef systems. "


________________________________________________________________


'"

"Keynote Speakers

David B. Dooner, PhD Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, UPR–Mayagüez Former Visiting Scientist, Mechanical Sciences Research Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences Dr. Dooner received his PhD from the University of Florida at Gainesville, where he remained as a Post-Doctoral Fellow. He teaches Mechanism Designs, Design of Machine Elements II and Engineering Design. “Puerto Rico and Goliath” Friday, April 25 at 9:00 am Abstract: This presentation addresses the concept of an “underdog” and gives several underdog examples; David and Goliath, Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed, the American revolution and the United Kingdom, along with Miguel de Cervantes’ El Ingenioso Hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha. These underdog examples are used metaphorically to contrast today’s Puerto Rico and globalization. The presenter uses examples from his research experience to illustrate how one must carefully process today’s media (viz., the internet). Various “mechanical engineering” examples are presented to encourage students to identify their interests and strengths, define goals, trust their abilities and Puerto Rico, and not be intimidated by “giants”. Yong-Jihn Kim, PhD Professor, Department of Physics, UPR–Mayagüez President and CEO, Cutting Edge Superconductors, Inc. Dr. Kim received his BA, MS and PhD from Seoul National University. He was a Post-Doctoral Fellow at Harvard University and a Research Associate at Purdue University. “Pathway to next generation MRI” Friday, April 25 at 3:00 pm Abstract: In 2001 MgB2 was found to be a high Tc superconductor, with a transition temperature Tc=39K. This discovery was a sensation, because cryogen-free next generation MRI can be manufactured by this new superconducting MgB2 wire. Indeed in 2006 the first cryogen-free 0.5T MRI was produced by three Italian companies, Columbus Superconductors, ASG Superconductors, and Paramed Medical Systems. However, its poor image quality seriously limited marketability, compared to the current 1.5T MRI. Dr. Kim identified the superconducting mechanism of MgB2 immediately in 2001, just after the discovery of superconductivity in MgB2, by inventing Testardi correlation. In 2011 he founded Cutting Edge Superconductors (CES), based on his worldwide patented technology, to produce the world’s best quality MgB2 wires, enabling next generation cryogen-free 1.5T and 3T MRI. CES has received NSF SBIR Phase I and IB awards. Fideicomiso provided matching funds. In January 2104, CES submitted NSF SBIR Phase II application of $750,000, in collaboration with GE and LUVATA, the leading MRI and superconducting wire companies. When the project is successfully executed, the resulting next generation 1.5T MRI will hit the market late next year, 2015.

"

"


________________________________________________________________


("

"Schedule of Events

Thursday, April 24, 2014

9:00 am – 2:15 pm Registration

9:00 am – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast

9:30 am – 9:45 am Opening Remarks

9:45 am – 10:35 am Keynote Address, Juan C. Martínez Cruzado, PhD

10:45 am – 12:15 pm Poster Session I

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Luncheon

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm Keynote Address, Richard S. Appeldoorn, PhD

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm Oral Session I

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Informative Session – “JOUST: The Journal of Undergraduate Research Students”

Friday, April 25, 2014

8:30 am – 2:30 pm Registration

8:30 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast

9:00 am – 9:50 am Keynote Address, David B. Dooner, PhD

9:50 am – 10:50 am Oral Session II

11:00 am – 12:30 pm Poster Session II

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Luncheon

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Oral Session III

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm Keynote Address, Yong-Jihn Kim, PhD

3:50 pm – 4:15 pm Concluding Remarks and Awards

"


________________________________________________________________


)"

"Agenda

Thursday, April 24, 2014

9:00 am – 2:15 pm Registration, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

9:00 am – 9:30 am Continental Breakfast, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

9:30 am – 9:45 am Opening Remarks, C-009 and C-010 Nayda G. Santiago Santiago, PhD, SACNAS UPRM Advisor Fernando Gilbes Santaella, PhD, CoHemis Director Héctor J. Esparra Escalera, SACNAS UPRM President Carolina J. García García, Organizing Committee President

9:45 am – 10:35 am Keynote Address, C-009 and C-010 “Puerto Rico Genomes: Migration, Admixture, and Population Medical Genetics” Juan C. Martínez Cruzado, PhD

10:35 am – 10:45 am Coffee Break, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

10:45 am – 12:15 pm Poster Session I, C-008 Engineering, Math, and Computing Physics and Geology

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm Luncheon, 4th Floor, Student Center

1:30 pm – 2:20 pm Keynote Address, C-009 and C-010 “Opening unknown depths: Coral ecosystems at the edge of light” Richard S. Appeldoorn, PhD

2:20 pm – 2:30 pm Coffee Break, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

2:30 pm – 3:15 pm Oral Session I, C-009 and C-010 Physics and Geology Agricultural Sciences and Marine Sciences 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm, Milton A. Martínez Julca 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm, Oscar S. Hernández Daguer 3:00 pm – 3:15 pm, Rolf Vieten

3:15 pm – 3:30 pm Informative Session, C-009 and C-010 “JOUST: The Journal of Undergraduate Research Students” Yaritza M. Santiago Correa, Industrial Engineering Graduate Student

"


________________________________________________________________


*"

"Agenda

Friday, April 25, 2014

8:30 am – 2:30 pm Registration, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

8:30 am – 9:00 am Continental Breakfast, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

9:00 am – 9:50 am Keynote Address, C-009 and C-010 “Puerto Rico and Goliath” David B. Dooner, PhD

9:50 am – 10:50 am Oral Session II, C-009 and C-010 Biology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry 9:50 am – 10:05 am, Andrés Moya Rodríguez 10:05 am – 10:20 am, Erika M. López Alfonso 10:20 am – 10:35 am, Esmarline J. De León Peralta 10:35 am – 10:50 am, Edwin G. Ramírez Aponte

10:50 am – 11:00 am Coffee Break, Luis de Celis Building Lobby

11:00 am – 12:30 pm Poster Session II, C-008 Biology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry Agricultural Sciences and Marine Sciences

12:30 pm – 1:45 pm Luncheon, Cafeteria Annex, Student Center

1:45 pm – 3:00 pm Oral Session III, C-009 and C-010 Engineering, Math, and Computation 1:45 pm – 2:00 pm, Esmeralda Niño Pérez 2:00 pm – 2:15 pm, Gilbert E. Del Orbe Almanzar 2:15 pm – 2:30 pm, Xavier A. Terán Batista 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm, César Serna Rapello 2:45 pm – 3:00 pm, Yaileen M. Méndez Vázquez

3:00 pm – 3:50 pm Keynote Address, C-009 and C-010 “Pathway to next generation MRI” Yong-Jihn Kim, PhD

3:50 pm – 4:15 pm Concluding Remarks and Awards, C-009 and C-010 Héctor J. Esparra Escalera, SACNAS UPRM President Carolina J. García García, Organizing Committee President

"


________________________________________________________________


!+"

"Presenters in Alphabetical Order

Carlos A. Albelo Sánchez – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Hospital Revenue Cycle Management”

(Poster A-08) Sarymar Barreto Saavedra – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Stratigraphic Analysis of the Yanigua Formation, Region Los Haitises, North-Eastern Dominican Republic”

(Poster B-06) Victoria Cabán Figueroa – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Endophytic fungi from Avicennia germinans in Puerto Rico”

(Poster C-01) Katia I. Camacho Cáceres – Master’s Candidate Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Lung Cancer – New information from Old Data: Preliminary results”

(Poster A-12) Michael G. Carmona Soto – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Endometriosis Risk Calculator”

(Poster A-05) Nelson G. Castillo Rivera – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Physical Functioning and Grip Strength Influences on Bone Health”

(Poster C-07) Nicole Colón Carrión – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Cayey “Effects of the Overexpression of Programmed Cell Death Related Genes MmBid, MmBax and AtCytc in Arabidopsis thaliana”

(Poster C-12)

"


________________________________________________________________


!!"


Paul B. Cordero Villarubia – Undergraduate Student Department of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Evaluación de un espectrofotómetro commercial como método no subjetivo para la determinación del color de la yema en huevos de codorniz japonesa (Coturnix coturnix japonica”

(Poster D-02) Esmarline J. De León Peralta – Undergraduate Student Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Intelligent detection of miRNA by competitive strand displacement”

(Third Presenter, Oral Session II) Gilbert E. Del Orbe Almanzar – Undergraduate Student Department of Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Effect of Fly Ash and Nano-silica on Concrete Compressive Strength at Early Age”

(Second Presenter, Oral Session III) Laura M. del Valle Pérez – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Generation of metagenomic libraries from fresh, saltwater, and water reservoirs in Puerto Rico”

(Poster C-11) Eduardo J. Díaz Díaz – Undergraduate Student Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Evaluation of different mango (Mangifera indica l.) cultivars in the process to obtain the fruit’s natural essence with a solvent extraction method”

(Poster D-05) Lisa M. Dillón Fuentes – Master’s Candidate Department of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Evaluación de ovocitos madurados in vitro provenientes de ganado lechero y de carne bajo condiciones de estrés térmico en Puerto Rico”

(Poster D-01) Frank X. Ferrer González – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Accessing Antibiotic Resistant Clones in Puerto Rican Soils through Metagenomics”

(Poster C-03)

"


________________________________________________________________


!#"


Paola N. García Jiménez – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Aesthetics in Wearable Medical Devices”

(Poster A-11) Yoana L. Guzmán Salgado – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Cellulose-Degrading Ability of Actinobacteria Associated with the Termite Nasutitermes costalis”

(Poster C-08) Oscar S. Hernández Daguer – Undergraduate Student Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Phase Behaviour and Solid Electrolyte Transition in K3H(SeO4)2”

(Second Presenter, Oral Session I) Christian G. Hernández Negrón – Undergraduate Student Department of Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Validating CATS items distractors among Native-Spanish-speaking engineering students”

(Poster A-02) Erika M. López Alfonzo – Undergraduate Student Industrial Biotechnology Program, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Oxygen Reactivity in the Sulfheme Complex Formation”

(Second Presenter, Oral Session II) María A. Márquez Lema – Master’s Candidate Department of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Efecto del estado de salud uterina y la época del año sobre la morfología del ovocito recuperado de vacas lecheras en Puerto Rico”

(Poster D-03) Milton A. Martínez Julca – Master’s Candidate Department of Physics, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Ti-doped ZnO Nanoparticles as Novel Direct Generator of Singlet Oxygen for Photodynamic Therapy Applications”

(First Presenter, Oral Session I) "

"


________________________________________________________________


!$"


Kevin A. Matos Salgado – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Bayamón “Exploring Handling Large Amount of Radio Science Data Using OODT”

(Poster A-03) Jonathan Maymí Guadalupe – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Phosphate-solubilization by bacteria associated with the fiddler crab, Uca rapax, from mangroves in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico”

(Poster C-14) Yaileen M. Méndez Vázquez – Master’s Candidate Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “The Search For Experimental Design With Dozens Of Variables”

(Fifth Presenter, Oral Session III) Kiaraliz Montalván Rodríguez – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Cost model for medical device design process”

(Poster A-01) Andrés Moya Rodríguez – Undergraduate Student Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Purification of New Lysine Tag Fused Hemeprotein from Lucina pectinata Designed for Covalent Immobilization”

(First Presenter, Oral Session II) Francisco A. Negrón Avilés – Undergraduate Student Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Cerium oxide adsorption efficiency of antimicrobial drugs in water using High Performance Liquid Chromatography”

(Poster C-06) Giovanni Nin Hernández – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “SO2 flux monitoring at Popocatepetl volcano, México, using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument”

(Poster B-02)


________________________________________________________________


!%"


Esmeralda Niño Pérez – Master’s Candidate Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Multiple Criteria Simulation Optimization: Further Refinement”

(First Presenter, Oral Session III) Sergio G. Núñez Báez – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Antifungal Production in Actinobacteria Associated with the Exoskeleton and the Intestine of the Termite Nasutitermes costalis”

(Poster C-05) Edwin G. Ramírez Aponte – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Gene annotation and characterization of rearrangements in the evolution of the Puerto Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata)”

(Fourth Presenter, Oral Session II) Natalia I. Ramírez Irizarry – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Stratigraphy and Depositional History of the Haitises Formation, South East Dominican Republic”

(Poster B-07) Arlenys Ramírez Rivera – Master’s Candidate Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Earthquake loss estimation in Puerto Rico from historical and potential earthquakes scenarios”

(Poster B-08) Imaryarie Rivera Lastra – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Textural and Mineralogical Analysis of Porphyritic Andesites of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico”

(Poster B-04) Olga B. Rivera Ortiz – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Studying the Impact of Historical Reference on FDA Procedures”

(Poster A-07)

"


________________________________________________________________


!&"


Meilyn E. Rivera Peña – Undergraduate Student Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Uptake and transport of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/DMSA nanoparticles in Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) plants”

(Poster C-09) Kiara Rivera Rodríguez – Undergraduate Student Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Thermo-mechanical Behavior of Chitin-Cellulose-Carbon Nanotubes Composites”

(Poster A-04) Doris J. Rivera Santiago – Undegraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Aqueous Alteration of Amorphous Fe:Si Synthetic Smokes with Mg-rich Solution to Simulate Hydration Related to CM Meteorites”

(Poster B-01) Luis G. Rodríguez Marrero – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Multiple Metamorphic Events In the Tibes Skarn in Ponce, Puerto Rico: Evidence from Garnet Alteration and Epidote Veins”

(Poster B-03) Edgardo Román Afanador – PhD Candidate Department of Civil Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Relationship between learning styles and the inverted classroom concept on students’ performance in the Transportation Engineering Course”

(Poster A-09) Mariely Rosado Martínez – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Lignin degradation assay using Congo Red by manglicolous fungi from Bahia Sucia, Cabo Rojo”

(Poster C-04) Yara I. Rosado Rivera – Master’s Candidate Department of Crops and Agri-Environmental Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Incidencia de Sclerotium rolfsii y Rhizoctonia solani en suelo de uso continuo para la siembra de la Yautía (Xanthosoma sp.)”

(Poster D-04)


________________________________________________________________


!'"


Bryan A. Rosas Matos – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Experimental Design – Based Multiple Criteria Optimization Algorithm to aid Manufacturing Design and Process Adjustment: Preliminary Results”

(Poster A-06) Kimberly Ruiz Rosado – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Searching for fungal bioprospects capable of metabolizing 2,4,6-trinitoluene (TNT)”

(Poster C-15) Paloma Sánchez Jauregui – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Analyzing Vocal Communication Signals in Territorial Bird, Setophaga Adelaide”

(Poster C-02) Diana Sánchez Partida – Undergraduate Student Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Integer Linear Programming model for a timetable university considering professor’s time windows and consecutive periods”

(Poster A-10) César Serna Rapello – Master’s Candidate Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “On !-factorizations, when ! is an equivalence relation”

(Fourth Presenter, Oral Session III) Paola A. Soto Pérez – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Analysis of APE1 re-localization in a Lung Adenocarcinoma Cancer cell line”

(Poster C-10) Xavier A. Terán Batista – Undergraduate Student Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Towards a Solution of the Transient Problem for Boolean Monomial Dynamical Systems”

(Third Presenter, Oral Session III)


________________________________________________________________


!("


Lorraine N. Vélez Torres – Undergraduate Student Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Determination of the Inhibitory Capacity of Actinobacteria against Candida albicans and Candida guilliermondii”

(Poster C-13) Rolf Vieten – Master’s Candidate Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Caribbean Stalagmites as Climate Archives”

(Third Presenter, Oral Session I) Fátima A. Zevallos – Undergraduate Student Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez “Analysis of volcanic clouds in Costa Rica, using SO2 fluxes determined with satellite images from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument”

"


________________________________________________________________


!)"

"Abstracts of Oral Presenters

Session I – April 24, 2:30 pm to 3:15 pm

“Ti-doped ZnO Nanoparticles as Novel Direct Generator of Singlet Oxygen for

Photodynamic Therapy Applications”

Milton A. Martínez Julca, Wilfredo Ortiz Ortiz, Oscar J. Perales Perez, Melina Perez Altamar, Sonia Bailon Ruiz


Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an alternative to traditional cancer treatments and involves the use of photosensitizing (PS) agents and their interaction with light. Generated cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the used to destroy tumors. On the other hand, ZnO is a biocompatible, no-toxic, and biodegradable material with the capability to generate ROS, specifically singlet oxygen, which makes it a promising candidate for 2-photon PDT. Doping of ZnO with Ti species is expected to induce the formation of oxygen vacancies in the host oxide structure, which should affect the electronic transitions related to the generation of SO. The present work reports the effect of the level of Ti-doping on the kinetics and yield of generation of SO. Ti-doped ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized using a modified polyol route. XRD measurements confirm the development of well-crystallized Wurtzite-ZnO structure; the average crystallite sizes ranged between 8 and 17 nm, with an increase in Ti content. The corresponding band gap energy values decreased from 3.29 to 3.18 eV. The PL emission peaks centered on 361, 391, and 470 nm in Ti-doped ZnO are attributed to the exciton emission, transition of shallow donor levels near of the conduction band to valence band, and oxygen vacancies, respectively. The increased PL intensity at 470 nm suggests the presence of oxygen vacancies due to the difference in charges between Zn2+ and Ti4+. Ti-doped ZnO nanoparticles was found to produce higher levels of singlet oxygen species when compared to bare ZnO. Keywords: Singlet oxygen, ZnO nanoparticles, photoluminescence, oxygen vacancies

“Phase Behaviour and Solid Electrolyte Transition in K3H(SeO4)2”

Oscar S. Hernández Daguer, H. Correa, R. A. Vargas, Samuel Hernández, Félix Fernández


The phase behaviour of K3H(SeO4)2 (TKHSe) above room temperature has been studied by differential scanning calorimetric (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), simultaneous thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetric analysis (SDT), impedance spectroscopy (IS), and X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD). According to previous reports, around 388 K (114.85 ºC), TKHSe presents a superionic phase transition produced by a structural phase transition, with values of the dc-conductivity above the transition temperature greater than 10-3 "-l cm-1. Looking for new evidences about this process, additional and alternative measurements were performed on well characterized TKHSe samples, reporting new findings which to our knowledge have not been previously reported in literature. The results show a process that start at 388 K which is accompanied by a slow thermal dehydration, at about the superionic phase transition. We propose that the K3H(SeO4)2 undergoes a phase transition and simultaneously a decomposition process. Moreover, the observed decrease of the magnitude of conductivity on successive thermal runs is a consequence of decomposition that starts at the surface of the TKHSe grains, but the jump in conductivity is only a consequence of the order-disorder transition in the TKHSe phase that remains inside the grains.


________________________________________________________________


!*"

Keywords: Solid State protonic conductor, Acid salt, Phase transition, Thermal decomposition.

“Caribbean Stalagmites as Climate Archives”

Rolf Vieten1, Tom Miller2, Denis Scholz3, Augusto Mangini4, Amos Winter, PhD1

1Department of Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

3Institute for Geoscience, University of Mainz, Germany 4Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Heidelberg, Germany

The Caribbean is highly vulnerable to changes in precipitation. Ancient cultures such as the Mayans collapsed during extreme dry periods. The occurrence of mudslides, disease, and political unrest are also connected to variations in precipitation amounts. Speleothem in the Caribbean record variations in the rain amount over millions of years. An ongoing NSF sponsored study at the University of Puerto Rico is deciphering climatic changes from geochemical variations in speleothem. Caribbean speleothem are promising terrestrial records because they can be dated precisely and because variations in their oxygen isotopic ratios and trace element composition register changes in the hydrological cycle. To ensure the correct interpretation of the records a high resolution cave-monitoring program has been taking place for the last two years in the northern karst of Puerto Rico. Initial results indicate that variations in the North Atlantic circulation may effect Caribbean precipitation. Keywords: Speleothem, Caribbean, Precipitation, Paleoclimate

Session II – April 25, 9:50 am to 10:50 am

“Purification of New Lysine Tag Fused Hemeprotein from Lucina pectinata Designed for

Covalent Immobilization”

Andrés Moya-Rodríguez, Ramonita Díaz Ayala, Juan López Garriga, PhD


The hemoglobin I (HbI) from the clam Lucina pectinata is capable of binding hydrogen sulfide (H2S) with very high affinity through its heme group. Therefore, this protein is an ideal biological component that possesses great potential for the development of a highly selective H2S biosensor. The incorporation of anchoring tags in proteins, such as Lys-tagged HbI, is a very convenient procedure for the optimization of purification purposes. Once purified, the fused HbI would be ideal for biomedical and sensor engineering applications through the immobilization of the protein in a biocompatible and conductive surface. In this study, we show the optimization of the purification of Lys-tagged recombined HbI (rHbI). Initially, the purification strategy consisted of the separation of the cell debris of E. coli (that produced our protein of interest) from the rHbI and other intracellular proteins via centrifugation. This was followed by different chromatographic techniques such as: cationic exchange chromatography (CEC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). All aliquots were then analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy to observe molecular weight of the proteins and characteristic bands of HbI, respectively. The analyzed SDS-PAGE gels and optical spectra showed that the purification processes of the rHbI require further optimization. We are currently evaluating other parameters in order to purify the rHbI and establish the ideal parameters for an efficient purification of the lysine tagged hemeprotein. Keywords:

!


________________________________________________________________


#+"

!“Oxygen Reactivity in the Sulfheme Complex Formation”

Erika M. López Alfonzo, Elddie M. Roman Morales, BS, Juan López-Garriga, PhD


Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a water-soluble gas that has a characteristic smell of rotten eggs. In high concentrations, it is an environmental hazard, but recent studies have identified it as a signaling molecule. However, when the human body is exposed to high H2S concentrations, a sulfur atom is incorporated to the prosthetic group of hemoglobin (Hb), generating the sulfheme. This sulfheme complex reduces the protein affinity towards oxygen (O2) and promotes a condition known as Sulfhemoglobinemia. The presence of HisE7, the ferryl species formed by O2, and a thiol with an available proton (RS-H) are required for its formation. Our aim was to understand the mechanism of the sulfcomplex formation using different O2 concentrations. Myoglobin (Mb) was used since its active site is similar to that of human-Hb and they share the function of O2 binding. Experiments began with metaquoMb, heme-FeIII. Then, a reducing agent was added to change the oxidation state to FeII forming the deoxy-complex. Next, variations in O2 concentration were done in 1:6, 1:83, and 1:160 proportions. Finally, H2S was added. The sulfheme complex formation was evaluated by UV-Vis 300-800nm through a 24hour kinetic analysis. Results showed the formation of the sulfheme complex characteristic band at 620nm at all O2 concentrations, but different optical bands appeared during the course of the reactions. Results indicate that O2 is involved in the SMb complex formation possibly leading to the transient deoxy-specie. Depending on the O2 concentration, the equilibrium reaction toward the deoxy-specie may change. Project supported by grant NIH-R25GM088023. Keywords: Sulfheme complex, Hydrogen sulfide, Hemoglobin, Myoglobin, Oxygen

“Intelligent detection of miRNA by competitive strand displacement”

Esmarline J. De León Peralta1, Carlos E. Castro, PhD2

1University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2The Ohio State University

Micro-RNAs (miRNAs) represent a major class of small non-coding RNAs (19-25 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. miRNAs generally function through a process known as RNA interference (RNAi), in which miRNAs base pair with messenger RNA (mRNA) in a complementary manner. This results in either mRNA degradation or translation inhibition ultimately silencing gene expression. They control almost one third of all human genome and play an important role in many cellular processes, such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and stress response. Furthermore, the diversity of miRNAs is remarkable, particularly for their role in malignancy, functioning as a tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Dysregulation (over- or under-expression) of miRNAs has been implicated in a variety devastating diseases, including many cancers. In the majority of these cancers, it is not a single miRNA that gets dysregulated, but rather a combination of multiple miRNAs that may result in or serve as a marker for specific types of cancer. Because of this, novel approaches to miRNA detection have been widely pursued; however, there is currently no technology capable of detecting specific combinations of miRNAs inside cells. The goal of this work is to design a novel platform for fluorescence-based detection of multiple miRNAs using a logic based approach. The initial goal of this work is to design a DNA origami structure capable of detecting pair wise combinations of miRNA in AND and OR logical configurations. Initial proof-of-principle experiments will be performed using DNA targets. We currently have developed an initial design to detect miR-21 and miR-155, which are miRNAs dysregulated in cancer that function as diagnostics and prevention markers in several different diseases, particularly in breast cancer. Our findings will help advance the diagnosis of cancer with novel miRNA detection technology. Keywords: detection, gene expression, dysregulation, cancer research


________________________________________________________________


#!"

!“Gene annotation and characterization of rearrangements in the evolution of the Puerto

Rican Parrot (Amazona vittata)”

Edwin G. Ramírez Aponte, Jennifer Hernández-Muñiz, Michelle A. Vega-Medina, Adriana Gordon-De Jesús, Gustavo Rivera-Álvarez, Ghildres Tejedor-Maldonado, Ingrid Rivera-Pagán, Taras K. Oleksyk and

Juan C. Martínez-Cruzado

Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez The Puerto Rican parrot (Amazona vittata) is the only native parrot species in Puerto Rico and the last one remaining in any of the U.S. territories. Its critical condition promotes the development of many conservation projects; one of them is the Puerto Rican Parrot Genome Project. Its genome data has recently become publicly available thanks to the community effort of the people of Puerto Rico, and the annotation of the parrot chromosomes has begun. To advance the description of the protein-coding genes and other important protein and gene features, we are focusing on chromosomes 8 and 9 from the latest genome assembly (http://genomes.uprm.edu/parrot). To do this, we used as reference the chicken (Gallus gallus), zebra finch (T. guttata), turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), collared flycatcher (Fidecula albicolis), budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), and scarlet macaw (Ara macao) genomes. Some annotation resources and tools used for this work are: Stand-alone Blast, Blast from NCBI, UCSC Genome Browser, Gene Model Checker, Ensembl, MEGA 5, and Repeat Masker. We already found and fully annotated 115 genes in 8 of the sequences provided by the genome assembly. The length of the completed analyzed sequences adds to 9.8Mb. Another 10.5Mb coming from 7 different sequences are in the process of annotation. These results allow us to see the conservation of genes throughout evolution and to create a model of the Puerto Rican parrot chromosomes. Also the knowledge retrieved from these genes should provide conservationists and geneticists with a more thorough understanding and ways they can improve the conservation efforts. Keywords: Amazona vittata, Puerto rican parrot, genome, gene annotation, evolution

Session III – April 25, 1:45 pm to 3:00 pm

“Multiple Criteria Simulation Optimization: Further Refinements”

Esmeralda Niño Pérez, Bryan Rosas, Mauricio Cabrera-Ríos, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez This work approaches the multiple criteria simulation optimization problem. Many real world problems can be modeled as multiple criteria optimization problems in different areas and fields such as economics, biology, engineering, among others. Such problem entails using an optimization strategy to manipulate the parameters of a simulation problem to arrive to the best possible configurations in the presence of several performance measures in conflict. The use of optimization is critical in manufacturing problems; every day it is necessary to make decisions, hopefully in an optimal manner, to satisfy different design specifications or process performance. Optimization algorithms are normally developed to optimize a single criterion. However, in many applications two or more criteria are relevant. In the presence of multiple performance measures conflicts, then making decisions falls in the realm of multiple criteria optimization. Efficient methods to deal with this decision making problem are highly desirable. Pareto Efficiency conditions are used in an iterative framework based on experimental design, and pairwise comparison. In particular, this work improves upon the use of Data Envelopment Analysis to determine the efficient frontier, as well as, the use of a single-pass algorithm previously proposed by our research group. The results show a rapid convergence to a more precise characterization of the Pareto-efficient solutions. The revised algorithm is illustrated by a series of cases in manufacturing systems simulation. Keywords: Multiple Criteria Optimization, Simulation-Optimization, Experimental Design, metamodels.


________________________________________________________________


##"

!“Effect of Fly Ash and Nano-silica on Concrete Compressive Strength at Early Age”

Gilbert E. Del Orbe Almanzar, Nitza M. García, Carlos M. Medina, Oscar M. Suárez, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Nowadays in the construction field the replacement of cement by alternative materials to lessen its impact is of first environmental importance. More often this takes place at the expense of concrete mechanical properties. Unfortunately the initial strength gain in this new concrete generation is reduced due to the additives that serve as partial replacements in an attempt to produce more environmentally friendly concrete. For this reason, we have designed a high-strength concrete which is a more sustainable material than the one aforementioned. This concrete has SiO2 nanoparticles along with other minerals and chemical additives, such as fly ash, and polycarboxylate superplasticizer. Therefore, the main purpose of this work has been to determine if nano-SiO2 can reinforce the concrete at its early age and the different concentrations for such strength gain. A cubic regression model was used as to assess the response variables taking into consideration the variations of the fly ash and the nano-SiO2 solution. This statistical model was selected to obtain the most effective values for the concrete design. Our results evinced the existence of an quasi optimal combination of fly ash and nano-SiO2 (as a partial replacement of the cement) that maximized the strength gain of the studied concrete during its initial stages. As part of our future work, additional experiments will be performed to analyze other mechanical and physical properties. Keywords: Concrete, fly ash, nano-SiO2, early age strength, sustainable construction materials

“Towards a Solution of the Transient Problem for Boolean Monomial Dynamical Systems”

Xavier A. Terán-Batista, Dorothy Bollman, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Finite dynamical systems have many applications in engineering and the sciences, including biology, computer science, and social sciences. A problem of interest in such systems is to determine when such a system reaches equilibrium, i.e., under what conditions is it a fixed point system. Moreover, given a fixed point system, how many time steps are required to reach a fixed point, i.e., what is its transient? Bollman and Colón have shown that a Boolean Monomial Dynamical System (BMDS) f is a fixed point system if and only if the dependency graph G is primitive and in fact, the transient of f is equal to the exponent of G. Furthermore, every directed graph gives rise to a unique BMDS and hence every example of a primitive graph with known exponent gives us an example of a fixed point BMDS with known transient. Unfortunately, the general problem of determining the exponent of a primitive graph is unsolved. In this ongoing work we give several families of primitive graphs for which we can determine the exponent. Keywords: Dynamical Systems, Boolean Monomial Dynamical Systems, Primitive Graph, Transient.

“On !-factorizations, when ! is an equivalence relation”

César Serna Rapello, Reyes Ortiz-Albino, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez The factorization of an element in irreducible factors in the integral domain is of great interest in the commutative ring theory. Recently, some algebraists developed the theory of generalized factorizations on integral domain, including the !-factorizations; as D.D. Anderson, A. Frazier, J. Juett, and R. Ortiz. In their work, the main results in the theory of !-factorizations happen when ! is a symmetric and divisible relation. On the other hand, we always may assume ! to be a symmetric relation, but our focus is when ! is an equivalence relation. We avoid the divisible property because together with the reflexivity will give the usual theory of factorization or !_D-factorizations. We present results in term of structure properties and classify a type of relation that allow extensions of a non-associate-preserving relation to an associated


________________________________________________________________


#$"

"preserving relation. Keywords: Factorization, !-factorization, equivalence relation.

“The Search For Experimental Design With Dozens Of Variables”

Yaileen M. Méndez-Vázquez, Kasandra Ramírez-Rojas, Hecny Pérez-Candelario, Mauricio Cabrera-Ríos,

PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Simulation models have importantly expanded the analysis capabilities in engineering designs. With larger computing power, more variables can be modeled to estimate their effect in ever-larger number of performance measures. Statistical experimental designs, however, are still somewhat focused on the variation of less than about a dozen variables. In this work, an effort to identify strategies to deal with dozens of variables is undertaken. The aim is to be able to generate designs capable to estimate full-quadratic models. Several strategies are contrasted: (1) generate designs with random numbers, (2) use designs already in the literature, (3) generate designs under a clustering strategy, and (4) generates designs using random walk methods. The first strategy is an easy way to generate a design. The second strategy does focus on statistical properties, but the designs become somewhat inconvenient to generate when increasing the number of variables. The third and fourth strategies are investigated as a novel possibilities to provide a balance between (1) and (2). The most significant area of opportunity is the manipulation of 50 or more variables, where the state-of-art seems to be at this point according to literature review, trials with different software packages and reviewers' feedback in referred journals. Keywords: Large experimental Designs, full quadratic regression model, clustering designs.


________________________________________________________________


#%"

"Abstracts of Poster Presenters

Session I – April 24, 10:45 am to 12:15 pm

Engineering, Math, and Computation

A-01

“Cost model for medical device design process”

Kiaraliz Montalván Rodríguez, Ishai Berio, Paola Hernández, Lourdes Medina, Mayra Méndez, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

A medical device design is not complete without a detailed estimated cost of the process. A previous research related to standard Medical Devices Development (MDD) was the starting point for this research project. A well designed medical device that cannot be economically justified will not be attractive to the developers. Recommendations for the cost model were made using relevant information from peer-reviewed sources which are summarized in a literature review. A useful tool was developed to serve as a guide for the designer to estimate the cost incurred in the development of a medical device. This tool attempts to establish a general framework which can be used to better understand the costs associated to each of the phases involved in the design and development of a medical device. Those phases include the Product Definition Process, Design Process, Risk Management Process, Production Planning Process, and Market Introduction & Post Launch Process. The design and development of the model is discussed in detail with descriptions of the utility and overall contribution. This cost model is proposed in order for designers to proactively use it in handling the designing and developing phases of a medical device. Keywords: medical devices; design process; cost model

A-02 “Validating CATS items distractors among Native-Spanish-speaking engineering students”

Christian G. Hernández-Negrón, Aidsa I. Satiago-Román, PhD


The Concept Assessment Tools for Statics (CATS) consists of twenty-seven questions with five alternatives, one correct and four distractors tied to a misconception. In the past, many researchers have validated it; findings that it has a high diagnostic capability. Because of this, the CATS has been incorporated into Statics courses at an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) for assessment purposes. Results have shown a low performance on the CATS when compared to results of other institutions in the US. This study was developed with the purpose of understanding the role of language in the misconceptions of native-Spanish-speaking students about statics concepts by comparing students' responses of CATS questions. This poster will present the most common misconceptions native-Spanish-speaking students exhibited, in comparison to the distractors in CATS. The goal is to determine if these misconceptions are bound to errors already identified in the CATS, but also to determine if new ones emerge. Preliminary results indicated that these students committed the errors associated with the distractors in CATS, but they were represented differently, i.e. not as they are represented in the choices of the CATS. A group of nineteen students, from the mechanical and civil engineering departments, were recruited and divided randomly into four groups (4 to 5 participants on each), to take the open-ended version of CATS. Each participant worked on the test independently and then, summoned to discuss their answers within the assigned group. Transcripts were then analyzed qualitatively to identify participants' understanding (or


________________________________________________________________


#&"

"misunderstanding) of each statics concept. Keywords: Misconceptions; Statics; CATS; Hispanic

A-03

“Exploring Handling Large Amounts of Radio Science Data Using OODT”

Kevin A. Matos Salgado, Ricardo Rodríguez, Bill Rideout, Robert Schaefer, Philip Erickson, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Bayamón Universidad Metropolitana de Cupey

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Haystack Observatory

For the modern astronomy and radio-astronomy working environment, software technology has been massively implemented to the point that analog hardware is being almost completely replaced for the advantages the former offers, including lower cost and space requirements. Recent advancements in technology and computing have allowed to record at larger ranges of radio wavelengths using arrays of smaller antennas or fully steerable dishes. With these advantages comes a problem, how to efficiently manage the data acquired from the recordings. The central focus of this investigation was to use the Python programming language with a software tool (Apache’s OODT) to develop data extractors for hdf5 and configuration files. In addition, to develop an extractor for files containing column data and a metadata extractor that can expose distinct errors in python codes. The extractors were successfully created using Python and they were tested in the OODT framework. For all of the extractors, each obtained information about key/value pairs, and general information of the file, like filename, location, etc. Also, for each individual extractor there were exclusive extractions like parameters, section-delimited key/value pairs, and refactoring notices. Overall, the extractor codes worked very well, but there were problems due to the OODT’s framework. Keywords: Radio astronomy, Python programming language, Apache OODT

A-04

“Behavior of Chitin-Cellulose-Carbon Nanotubes Composites”

Kiara Rivera1, Sujeily Soto2, Christian Rivera3, José Salcedo1, O. Marcelo Suarez4

1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

3Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 4Department of General Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Polymers by themselves have poor mechanical, electrical and thermal properties, compared with other ceramic and metallic materials. The use of polymer matrix composites is increasing due to its low cost, high stiffness, high tensile strength and good corrosion resistance. In this study a matrix of chitin and cellulose was used. These polymers are biodegradable and they are the two most abundant polymers on earth. The films were reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) in order to improve the mechanical properties of the polymer. The CNT were incorporated into the polymer solution and then sonicated to achieve dispersion of the CNT. The characterization of the films was achieved by the thermomechanical analysis (TMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile test. The results based on the mechanical and thermomechanical tests demonstrated that the chitin films reinforced with CNT have higher mechanical strength compared to the bare chitin-cellulose films. All reinforced composites present the same constant behavior of 45-55ºC glass transition temperature. Keywords: chitin, mechanical properties, polymer carbon nanotubes composites


________________________________________________________________


#'"

!A-05

“Endometriosis Risk Calculator”

Michael G. Carmona-Soto, Eury Pérez, Idhaliz Flores, Saylisse Dávila, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences

A diagnosis of endometriosis, a gynecological disease with great impact on the female reproductive system, is only achieved by invasive surgery, and greatly depends on the clinical expertise of the surgeon. Although the literature suggests there is a significant difference in the occurrence of the disease in the Caucasian and the Hispanic population, there is a gap in the literature when it comes to modeling the risk of endometriosis in the Hispanic population. Last year, joint work between the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (UPRM) and the Endometriosis Research Program at the Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences (PSMHS) led to the development of a predictive model for endometriosis in Puerto Rican women. Now, the goal is to disseminate these results to a broader audience using an online database application called the Endometriosis Risk Calculator. This application will be hosted at UPRM and shared through a local non-profit organization for endometriosis patients — “Fundación Puertorriqueña de Pacientes con Endometriosis.” The goal is to provide a risk assessment to patients that are looking information on the disease and that have not received a diagnosis of endometriosis. In this work, we will discuss the development of the web-based application using MySQL Workbench 6.0 and Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Keywords:

A-06

“Experimental Design – Based Multiple Criteria Optimization Algorithm to aid Manufacturing Design and Process Adjustment: Preliminary Results”

Bryan A. Rosas Matos, Esmeralda Niño Pérez, Mauricio Cabrera Ríos, PhD


The aim in a multiple criteria optimization problem is to find the values of the decision variables that result in the best possible balances among all criteria in the presence of conflict. These best balances are called Pareto-efficient solutions and for the efficient frontier of the problem. Often times, the functions that relate the decision variables to the criteria of interest are not well established or are completely unknown. An experimental design, which helps to build empirical approximations based on systematic sampling, is then a helpful tool in these cases. In this work, experimental design is used along with an iterative strategy to approximate the efficient frontier of the multiple criteria optimization problem. Optimality Conditions are sequentially used to make this algorithm effective and precise in reaching the efficient frontier. The development of this algorithm will be carried out using injection-molding simulations where multiple criteria are considered simultaneously to effectively decide upon design features as well as processing conditions. At this first stage of the work, the method is presented and demonstrated through a simple-to- verify problem. Keywords: Manufacturing, Multiple Criteria Optimization, Iterative Strategy

A-07

“Studying the Impact of Historical Reference on FDA Procedures”

Olga B. Rivera Ortiz, Jocelyn Otero, Karen Feliciano, Lourdes A. Medina University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

The Food and Drug Administration is the government agency within the United States responsible for regulating food, medicine, cosmetics, medical devices, products biological and blood derivatives. FDA’s


________________________________________________________________


#("

"mandate is to regulate the multitude of medical products in a manner that ensures the safety of American consumers. To further understand FDA procedures, this research focuses on the study of medical devices in the context of FDA variables that impact their development and availability in the market. For companies that manufacture these products it is essential how quickly the FDA is able to approve their product. Accordingly, our aim is to determine the factors that influence the speed or delay of FDA in the review process. Data from FDA approved dental and hematology devices was collected for this study. Based on preliminary studies with orthopedic devices, factors related to historical reference, as indicators of experience, were selected for this analysis. Correlation analysis, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and regression analyses are implemented. Keywords: FDA, Historical Reference

A-08

“Hospital revenue cycle management”

Carlos A. Albelo Sanchez, Mayra Mendez University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

The hospital revenue cycle is the series of steps that occur and/or are taken in order to generate revenue. The revenue depends greatly on how well the process of documentation works. It acts very similarly to the parts of an automobile; starting from registration to billing process.The main objective of this research would be to increase the speed of revenue collection to invest when needed and more accurately; which in turn would increase revenue in the long run. Denial management is an excellent opportunity to improve speed and amount of revenue collection. A denial is when the third party payers refuse to cover expenses for the service for any given reason. There are two types of general services provided by the hospital: ambulatory and admission services. Once the service has been completed and charges are coded, the billing department sends the information to the third party payers. There is a specified amount of funds from medical plans assigned to cover ambulatory services. On the other hand, inpatient coverage is always variable. In case there is a third party denial because of missing information or misplaced charges, the documentation has to be corrected and resent. If a second denial occurs then the hospital representative will have to appeal at the medical plan’s office. Through a recommended effective documentation and communications system, along with suggestions to implement “denial management” correctly, the percent of revenue should increase by 3% to 5% from the actual percentage. Keywords: Revenue Cycle, Speed of collection, denial management

A-09

“Relationship between learning styles and the inverted classroom concept on students’ performance in the transportation engineering course”

Edgardo Roman Afanador, Ivette Cruzado


Students learn in different ways and a mismatch between students learning preferences and the teaching style of the instructor could lead to poor performances in the classroom. Among the learning preferences, two have been commonly identified for describing how students gather and process information during the learning process: the Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), usually referred as Kolb’s theory, and the Visual-Auditory-Kinesthetic (VAK) framework. The inverted classroom is a methodology of teaching that shift the focus on the classroom from the teacher to the students, thus it may be a way to minimize this mismatch. An ongoing study at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez collected information from students registered in two courses related to Transportation Engineering in two consecutive semesters. In addition, student behavior and performance data at one of the courses considered the study was analyzed in order to


________________________________________________________________


#)"

"identify if learning preferences have an influence on these two variables. The results of the study in the first semester indicated that Kinesthetic students tend to have lower attendance records when compared to Visual and Auditory students. A significant relationship between learning styles and students grades was not found. The only variable that was found to be significant on students’ grades was score of homework assignments. Keywords: Learning Styles, Transportation Engineering Education, Inverted Classroom

A-10 “Integer Linear Programming model for a timetable university considering professor’s time

windows and consecutive periods”

Diana Sánchez Partida, José Luis Martinez-Flores, Mauricio Cabrera Rios UPAEP University


The Timetabling Problem (TP) in Educational Institutions has been reported extensively in the literature, due to the great importance of the time consumption and human effort to find their solution. This problem arises in the allocation design of many known variables, such as professors, courses, rooms, timeslots and groups. In the reviewed papers a general model that covers the requirements of any Institution have not been found due to operational rules; therefore normally a mathematical model is designed for each Institution. This research presents two instances using an ILP models that consider the institutional rules of the UPAEP University and six additional experiments preserving the problem structure. One of the proposed models takes into account the professors time windows and consecutive periods in the moment of building the constraints. Also courses modes, availability and special equipment rooms, student enrolled in each course, between other constraints are considered. Another model is adding in the research taking into account a group constraint and split hours. The model was validated in the graduate education area, attempting to tackle a real-world problem, considering up to 197,496 combinatorial variables. The models were solved with commercial optimization software, which helped to successfully find the optimal solution. Keywords: Integer Programming, Timetabling Problem, Combinatorial Optimization, Time Windows

A-11

“Aesthetics in Wearable Medical Devices”

Paola N. García Jiménez, Juliana Cortina Mercado, Lourdes Medina, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Aesthetics in medical device is a concept that is relatively unknown. There are not many studies that focus on this topic. This may just be the trigger that will help patients make the decision of whether or not they would want to use the device. To find these results a variety of articles, paper and journals were study to understand the perspective of the consumer and the manufacturer. At the same time it was taken under consideration those companies that do implement esthetics into their design process. It has been found that wearable medical devices should have a design that would not affect or interfere in a negative way with the emotions of its users. Keywords:


________________________________________________________________


#*"

!A-12

“Lung Cancer - New information from Old Data: Preliminary results”

Katia I. Camacho Caceres, Juan C. Acebedo Díaz, Juan I. Irizarry Nieves, Valery M. Gonzales Pérez, Clara E. Isaza PhD, Mauricio Cabrera PhD

Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez Department of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Ponce School of Medicine and Health Sciences

In bioinformatics, it is possible to generate experimental data at a high pace. For example, microarrays can provide large amounts of data for genetic relative expression in illnesses of interest such as cancer. These "data are stored and often times abandoned when new experimental technologies arrive. This work re-examines lung cancer microarray data with a multiple criteria optimization-based strategy developed in our research group. This strategy does not require any adjustment of parameters by the user and is capable to converge consistently to important genes –potential biomarkers- even in the presence of multiple and incommensurate units across microarrays. Groups with distinct smoking habits (non smoker, current smoker) and gender are contrasted to elicit a set of highly differentially expressed genes, several of which are already associated to lung cancer and other types of cancer. The list of genes is provided with a discussion of their role in cancer, as well as the possible research directions for each of them. It is also recognized at this point that experimental validation is necessary to confirm the role of genes for which not enough evidence is found in the literature. Fundamentally, these genes with little information represent the best opportunities for biological discovery from existing data. Keywords: Meta-analysis, Multiple criteria optimization, Microarray, Biomarkers, Lung cancer

Physics and Geology

B-01

“Aqueous Alteration of Amorphous Fe:Si Synthetic Smokes with Mg-rich Solution to Simulate Hydration Related to CM Meteorites”

Doris J. Rivera Santiago, Sully A. Lebrón Rivera, Lysa J. Chizmadia, PhD


Goddard Space Flight Center has created amorphous silicate smokes through vapor deposition, which have similar infrared reflectance spectra as materials observed in circumstellar disks and in cometary tails. Detailed examinations of primitive meteorites reveal significant volumes of amorphous non-stoichiometric silicate materials, similar to smokes. Consequently, these smokes are the best analogs available for experimental studies to better understand asteroidal aqueous alteration. The vital goal for this current research is to reconstruct the textures/grains present in chondritic meteorites in a laboratory and to try un-derstanding the basics structures in the field of planetary science. In past hydration experiments with deionized H2O Fe-smokes resulted in very acidic pH’s while Mg-smokes became very alkaline. Therefore, this study is an attempt to understand the interrelationship between Fe and Mg during aqueous alteration. A series of hydration reactions were conducted using Fe-silicate smokes, with three different Fe:Si ratios. All three Fe:Si smokes were reacted with an aqueous solution of Mg(OH)2, over a period of 30 minutes and pH & T were measured with a OakTron Testr30, every 10 seconds. Hydration of the FeSiOx smokes with Mg(OH)2 (aq) became alkaline immediately and converged on pH of ~10.2 in <30 s. Higher Fe:Si resulted in less alkaline solutions. In conclusion the reactions pH’s decreased as the ratio increased. These results are consistent with the types of secondary mi-


________________________________________________________________


$+"

"nerals observed in primitive meteorites. Keywords: Meteorites, Aqueous alteration, Geochemisty, Meteoritics, Geology

B-02

“SO2 flux monitoring at Popocatepetl volcano, México, using the Ozone Monitoring Instrument”

Giovanni Nin Hernandez, Lizzette Rodriguez Iglesias, PhD

Department of Geology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Volcanic eruptions emit large amounts of gases to the atmosphere, especially water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide. The monitoring of these volcanic emissions is very important because they can be used to understand and forecast an eruptive process. Forty-four satellite images (2012 and 2013) from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) were downloaded and processed to measure the SO2 mass and then to calculate the SO2 fluxes in the plumes from one of the most active volcanoes in the world, Popocatepetl, Mexico. Two different techniques were used to determine the SO2 fluxes: the single pixel emission rate estimation technique and the emission rate estimation based on SO2 plume transect technique. Based on the analysis the most active period between 2012 and 2013 was during April-May 2012, with an average SO2 flux of 6710 t/d. This corresponded to the period right before and at the beginning of the eruptive crises in 2012. On the other hand, the period with less activity was between August-October 2012, with an average flux of 1930 t/d. A trend of increasing SO2 flux was found for the period January-May 2013. Finally, the results were compared with previous works, demonstrating a general correlation in the data, even though the differences were high for certain dates, probably because of errors in the wind speed data. Keywords: Popocatepetl, Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI), sulfur dioxide, SO2 flux, volcanic degassing

B-03

“Multipe Metamorphic Events In the Tibes Skarn in Ponce Puerto Rico: Evidence from Garnet Alteration and Epidote Veins”

Luis G. Rodriguez, Lysa Chizmadia, PhD


A Skarn is generally formed when a hot igneous body intrudes a cold limestone. The Tibes Skarn, located just north of Ponce, Puerto Rico is composed of an entangled system of dikes and a diorite stock intruding a Late Cretaceous limestone. In an attempt to better understand the events that led to the formation of this complex skarn, samples were collected from the site and analyzed with petrographic microscope and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of the samples. There are abundant birefringent garnets of grossular composition, one in particular contains an isotropic core. Birefringence in garnets is unusual and it is often associated with hydrothermal alteration. In addition, the dikes show prevalent epidote veins and significant pseudomorphic replacement of the plagioclase and pyroxenes. The best explanation for this assemblage is by a primary metamorphic event which created the garnets , which were subsequently metasomatized by a secondary alteration event. The skarn is also characterized based on the composition of the ore minerals like magnetite and garnets. Keywords: Skarn, Birefringent garnet, EDS, Contact Metamorphism, Puerto Rico


________________________________________________________________


$!"

!B-04

“Textural and Mineralogical Analysis of Porphyritic Andesites of Sabana Grande, Puerto Rico”

Imaryarie Rivera Lastra, Lysa Chizmadia, PhD


This investigation focuses on two large igneous deposits in Sabana Grande. The purpose of this project is to study the nature of these deposits and to see if they are related with the previously studied Tea dikes in San Germán, P.R. as they are mapped. They have not been studied in any detail and are described only in general terms. The main hypotheses of this project are: 1) these larger bodies are plutons, sills or dikes parallel to the surface and 2) these deposits are related to the Tea dikes. Field studies were done to confirm the existence of these deposits and hand samples were collected to compare them with the Tea dikes. Textural and mineralogical analysis from hand samples and thin sections were made to determine the mineral abundances. It was confirmed that these deposits from Sabana Grande are of igneous origin; they are porphyritic andesites composed of plagioclase and hornblende. In addition, the two deposits from Sabana Grande are plutons that are very similar and they could be the same formation. However, the Tea dikes and the deposits of Sabana Grande are different in texture and mineralogical composition meaning that they are not probably related. Keywords: Igneous rocks, Andesites, plutons, Tea Dikes.

B-05

“Analysis of volcanic clouds in Costa Rica, using SO2 fluxes determined with satellite images from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument”

Fatima Alexa Zevallos, Lizzette Rodriguez, PhD


Volcanic gases represent a threat not only to human lives but also to the environment as they can cause land damages as well as disrupt air traffic (Lacis et al., 1992). One place where such gases and other components of volcanic clouds can be studied due to the large number of volcanoes is Costa Rica. In this study, Costa Rica’s main degassers were considered: Turrialba, Poas, Rincon de la Vieja, and Arenal. The Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) in conjunction with programs such as OMIplot, the Environment for Visualizing Images (ENVI) Interactive Data Language as well as the HYSPLIT models are essential tools which were crucial for the detection and calculation of SO2 fluxes for the 37 images chosen in the year 2012. The fluxes were calculated using two different techniques, which were compared. The percent differences between the results of the techniques were low, with an average of 7.6%, showing that at least for the plumes studied here both techniques can be applied in the study of the fluxes. Overall, Turrialba’s SO2 flux peaked greatly on February 19 with ~4560 t/d, while Poas’ peak flux was found on December 16, with 1610 t/d. Comparing with previous work, a decrease of SO2 flux can be appreciated for the Turrialba volcano with time, while an increase in SO2 flux is noted for Poas volcano. Evidence such as activity reports and results of previous work show that the changes observed in SO2 fluxes can be correlated with the eruptive history. Keywords: SO2 fluxes, OMI, OMIplot, HYSPLIT


________________________________________________________________


$#"

!B-07

“Stratigraphic Analysis of the Yanigua Formation, Region Los Haitises, North-Eastern Dominican Republic”

Sarymar Barreto Saavedra, Wilson Ramírez Martínez, PhD


The stratigraphy of the Yanigua Formation, located in Los Haitises Region, Dominican Republic was studied. Based on lithology, stratigraphy and parasequence recognition from outcrops and aided by thin sections, a sequence stratigraphic model was developed. The deposits present in the Yanigua Formation have been described as shallow-water mixed siliciclastic and carbonates that accumulated during the Pliocene-lower Pleistocene (Braga et al., 2012). New stratigraphic sections along the outcrops were measured and analyzed in order to add details, better understand the depositional history and produce a sequence stratigraphic model. The new stratigraphic framework will allow to develop a depositional model that shows local change in sea level during the accumulation. The data was developed into three stratigraphic columns in order to recognized important changes. Three outcrops were correlated showing two parasequences that may indicate two local or relative changes in sea level. Keywords: Yanigua, Parasequence, Shallowing-upward sequence, Ramp model, sea level.

B-07

“Stratigraphy and Depositional History of the Haitises Formation, South East Dominican Republic”

Natalia I. Ramírez Irizarry, Wilson Ramírez Martínez, PhD


The surface geology of the province of La Romana, Dominican Republic is dominated by carbonates and they have not been studied in detail. The Haitises Formation, present in this area, is Pliocene to late Pleistocene in age, and it is composed of bioclastic and reef carbonate deposits (Braga et al., 2010). The purpose of this investigation was to study the stratigraphy and depositional history of the Haitises Formation in the region of La Romana. Thirteen thin sections were analyzed for this investigation and Standard Microfacies Types (SMT’s) were used to identify the original depositional environment of the units when they were deposited. A stratigraphic column of the section was also produced with seven units representing each a different depositional environment. The results indicate that in this section of La Romana the Haitises Formation represents a Carbonate Ramp. In addition two shallowing-upward sequences (two parasequences) were identified in the measured section. Keywords: La Romana, Haitises Formation, Shallowing Upward Sequence, SMF Standard Microfacies Types

B-08

“Earthquake loss estimation in Puerto Rico from historical and potential earthquakes scenarios”

Arlenys Ramírez, Víctor Huérfano, Alberto López, Luis Suárez


The island of Puerto Rico is located in an active seismic zone and as a result of its location earthquakes are a potential threat for the island. In the past several damaging earthquakes have affected Puerto Rico, with one of the most recent events taking place in the Mona Canyon in1918. This factor along with the heterogeneity of the structures and the time in which they were built, leads us to think about how vulnerable the structures of the island are upon a potential earthquake. The city of Mayagüez is located at


________________________________________________________________


$$"

"the west coast of the island and was directly affected by the earthquake and tsunami of the 1918. Approximately 116 people were killed and 4 millions dollars in material losses and damages were calculated as a result of this event. Since the seismic events cannot be predicted, earthquake loss estimations are needed in order to identify possible future impacts, minimize existing hazards and improve safety. The HAZUS Earthquake model is a tool that combines local seismic hazard and structure vulnerability to provide accurate direct and indirect loss estimates of damages. In this research we are applying the HAZUS methodology to obtain loss estimates of buildings and population based on scenarios of potential damaging earthquakes to the cities of San Juan and Mayagüez. We believe that the results of this investigation will be of great practical interest in the natural hazard field and will be a key for helping federal and local decision makers developing improved mitigation plans for Puerto Rico. Keywords: Earthquakes, HAZUS, Earthquake Scenarios

Session II – April 24, 11:00 am to 12:30 pm

Biology, Biotechnology, and Chemistry

C-01

“Endophytic fungi from Avicennia germinans in Puerto Rico”

Victoria Cabán Figueroa, Verónica Figueroa Negrón, Matías J. Cafaro, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Fungal endophytes live symbiotically within plant cells and recent studies have shown that these fungi are found in the leaves of multiple species of mangroves. Special interest has been given to these plants due to their importance in keeping the ecological balance of marine ecosystems. We aimed to morphologically identify the diversity of endophytic fungi from the black mangrove, Avicennia germinans, in Puerto Rico. Approximately 50 endophytic fungi were isolated from the mangrove seed (cotyledon roots and embryo) and from mature and withering leaves. Fungi were inoculated in a special mangrove leaf medium prepared in the lab and in PDA media supplemented with different salt concentrations. From these isolated fungi, 12 were prepared in micro slides and morphologically identified following established protocols. So far we identified the genera Nigrospora, Penicillium and Aspergillus. Nigrospora isolates (5) were identified as N. oryzae (=Khuskia oryzae) while Penicillium isolates (4) belonged to P. waksmanii. The remaining three were shown to be different species of aspergilli: A. niger, A. flavus, and A. clavatus. These results show the importance of microscopic screening protocols to identify fungi in diversity studies. Further characterizarion of these fungi will be done using molecular tools and secondary metabolite production to find possible medical aplications. Keywords: endophytic fungi, Avicennia germinans, black mangrove

C-02

“Analyzing Vocal Communication Signals in Territorial Bird, Setophaga Adelaide”

Paloma Sanchez-Jauregui, Carlos Gómez, Orlando Medina, David M. Logue, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

All human languages are characterized by a property called “lexical syntax.” Lexical syntax describes a set of acceptable orderings of elements that also provide information when given individually. It appears to be rare in non-human animals. If we consider a given bird song as an independent and complete unit of information, then birds that consistently sing their song types in an ordered manner could be said to exhibit lexical syntax. We tested for this type of lexical syntax in male Adelaide’s warblers (Setophaga adelaide).


________________________________________________________________


$%"

"One lag sequential analyses of morning singing from four individuals indicated non-random song-type delivery. We developed networks to visualize our data. This revealed that syntactical rules differed between pre-dawn and post-dawn singing. Specifically, we found strong associations between pairs of song types before dawn, but repetition of the same song type and then slow transitions to another song type after dawn. Results suggest that the information the warblers transmits may not only depend on the song choice but also on choice of song order. Future analyses will integrate contextual information (i.e. time of day, male-male interactions and breeding stage) with the goal of understanding the function of the birds ‘syntactical rules.’ Keywords: Animal Behavior, Network analysis, Sequence analysis, Bird behavior

C-03

“Accessing Antibiotic Resistant Clones in Puerto Rican Soils through Metagenomics”

Frank Xavier Ferrer González, Carlos Ríos Velázquez, PhD


The abuse and misuse of antimicrobial substances has increased pathogens capabilities for antibiotic resistance, threatening modern medicine and becoming one of the main health concerns of the 21st century. The development of novel antimicrobial agents and technology to help solve and understand the current trends in antibiotic resistance is a must. The use of culture independent approaches such as functional metagenomics has allowed for the detection and analysis of functional antibiotic resistant microbial activity in the environment. In our research two metagenomic libraries (ML) from Ventana’s Cave soil in Puerto Rico were generated using direct (D) and indirect (ID) DNA extraction methods and screened for clones resistant to the antibiotic Tetracycline. The ML’s were generated using the Epicentre CopyControl kit averaging 40,000 (D) and 118,000 (ID) clones. After determining Escherichia coli Epi300 with pCC1FOS/pCC2FOS vectors Minimal Inhibitory Concentrations, the ML’s were spread on LB plates containing different antibiotic concentrations. In addition, presence of fosmid insert in clones was detected through an enzyme restriction analysis. The direct ML showed 27 clones resistant to tetracycline while the indirect ML didn’t show any resistant clones. Moreover through transposon mutagenesis target resistance genes were identified. Current research is isolating and confirming gene activity. Putative mechanisms identified for the TetR resistance are a glycoside hydrolase, HAD family hydrolase, a PAP2 family protein and a hypothetical protein from Actinoplanes gloisporus. The understanding of these mechanisms will help enrich the world’s resistome databases and provide further information to help fight the ongoing trends in antibiotic resistance. Keywords:

C-04 “Lignin degradation assay using Congo Red by manglicolous fungi from Bahia Sucia, Cabo

Rojo”

Mariely Rosado Martinez, Emilly Kelly, Matias Cafaro, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Lignolytic fungi in mangrove ecosystems are the main organisms involved in carbon recycling from lignin. Fungi have specific enzymes involved in lignin degradation, such as lignin and Mn peroxidases, and laccases. Previous studies have shown that lignolytic fungi can also degrade polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH’s). In order to study lignin degradation in mangrove ecosystems, we isolated fungi from wood and decaying leaves in Bahia Sucia, Cabo Rojo. The azo dye Congo Red has similar chemical structure to lignin, thus serving as proxy for degradation studies of the latter. Decolorization of the due over 20 days for eight different fungal isolates was studied. Fungi were cultured in a liquid medium with Congo Red at


________________________________________________________________


$&"

"28oC, 150 rpm. As a positive control for Congo Red degradation we used Asperguillus flavus, which is already known to degrade this dye. Congo Red decolorization was measured by absorbance at 490 nm. Fungal growth was measured by dry weight biomass. Maximum decolorization of Congo Red was observed in two isolates: a Pencillium sp. Isolate and an unidentified isolate with 99.80%, while the minimum degradation was observed in a Fusarium sp. isolate with 81.19% of medium decolorization. Pencillium sp. generated 0.050g of biomass, Fusarium sp. Generated 0.066g and the unidentified isolate generated the most biomass (0.100g) under the experimental conditions. We can conclude that the isolates have the capacity to degraded lignin and might also be able to degrade PAH’s. Further studies will characterize specific ligning-degrading enzymes. Keywords: Degradation, lignin, congo red, fungi

C-05 “Antifungal Production in Actinobacteria Associated with the Exoskeleton and the Intestine

of the Termite Nasutitermes costalis”

Sergio G. Núñez Báez, Yoana L. Guzmán Salgado, Lorraine N. Veléz Torres, Emanuel Méndez Morales, Matías J. Cafaro, PhD


Actinobacteria are known for their ability to produce secondary metabolites that exert antimicrobial functions and can form symbiotic associations with insects to protect them. We know that termites possess Actinobacteria in their exoskeleton, although their exact role is still under study. In the exoskeleton, we suspect a defense function against pathogens as reported in other social insects. Pathogenicity of the fungus Beauveria bassiana has been reported in many arthropods, including termites. During this study we tested the antifungal capacity of Actinobacteria associated with the termite Nasutitermes costalis, which is a common arboreal termite in Puerto Rico. Actinobacteria were isolated and identified from the exoskeleton of N. costalis in a previous study, of which the majority of isolates belong to the genus Streptomyces, known for its antibiotic production. We selected 15 isolates based on their phylogenetic position from our previous analyses. We evaluated their antifungal capacity against the entomopathogenic fungus B. bassiana through bioassays. Cell growth was determined through optical density to standardize the inoculum. Isolates were cultivated in Yeast-Maltose-Extract-Agar for 72 hours at 25° C. Our preliminary results show that B. bassiana growth was inhibited. The strain W1SI96[3], isolated from the termite’s intestine, was the one that showed the most inhibition; therefore it is possible that this strain plays a key protective role. Further investigation on this strain is warranted. Keywords: Degradation, lignin, congo red, fungi

C-06

“Cerium oxide adsorption efficiency of antimicrobial drugs in water using high performance liquid chromatography”

Francisco A. Negrón Avilés1, Héctor I. Areizaga2, Marco A. De Jesús, PhD2

1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Antimicrobials drugs like fluoroquinolones and sulpha drugs are used every day by people all over the world to control pathogen growth to improve healthcare. It is known previously that fluoroquinolones and sulpha drugs are associated with some rare but serious secondary effects that can affect some human body systems: cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, endocrine, renal and central nervous systems. These drugs are highly soluble and can easily contaminate fresh bodies of water, consequently people can be easily affected by these drugs present in water and be an environmental problem. This study analyzes the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles adsorption efficiency of sulfadiazine, levofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin. High


________________________________________________________________


$'"

"Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used as the technique for the analysis and validation of the method, evaluating linearity, reproducibility and accuracy for the three antimicrobials compounds. Results demonstrate effective validation of the method with excellent values correlation factors close to 1. Most of the reproducibility results are under the acceptance criteria of relative standard deviation (%RSD <5). Accuracy of the method was also evaluated with acceptable results. The percent of removal of the cerium oxide nanoparticles filters were 98.28% for sulfadiazine, 90.12% for levofloxacin, and 94.32% for ciprofloxacin. Cerium oxide adsorption efficiency was evaluated according to the Langmuir adsorption model. The Langmuir adsorption isotherms showing the adsorption efficiency of each antimicrobials drugs will be presented. Keywords: Fluoroquinolones, Nanoparticles, Cerium oxide, High Performance Liquid Chromatography

C-07

“Physical Functioning and Grip Strength Influences on Bone Health”

Nelson G. Castillo Rivera1,2, Miryoung Lee2, Audrey Choh2, Keith Wurzbacher2, Wm. Cameron Chumlea2, Stefan Czerwinski2

1Departament of Biology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Department of Community Health, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright State University

Over the years, investigators have attempted to identify predictors of bone health in elderly populations. This knowledge could serve as potentially important information that could be used to prevent bone related diseases. The aim of this cross-sectional study is to predict total body, femoral neck and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD) in a population of elderly men and women. We hypothesized that good physical function and high grip strength will predict high BMD. And that these associations would be stronger in women. Women tend to be susceptible to bone related diseases because of certain factors, like hormone change. The study sample was compromised of a subset of 464 participants (age range 45 – 92 years) from the Fels Longitudinal Study. Measurements of physical functioning were collected using the Medical Outcomes Survey SF-36 form. Grip strength (kg) was measured using a JAMAR hand dynamometer. BMD (g/cm#) measurements were taken using a dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. All analyses and descriptive statistics were performed using JMP and a p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Sex-stratified multiple regression models adjusting for significant covariates were used to examine the relationships of physical function and grip strength with BMD. The results showed that the relationship between BMD and physical functioning was significant in the femoral neck area for men and in the total body for women. On the other hand, the relationship between grip strength and BMD was significant in the femoral neck for men and there was no evidence of significant association in any of the areas for women. In conclusion, our results suggest that physical functioning and grip strength may be good indicators of femoral neck BMD in men. Surprisingly, physical functioning and grip strength were not significant among women. This was a cross-sectional study that contains certain limitations, therefore a longitudinal study would be recommended. (Funding: NIH: NICHD R01HD012252, NIAMS R01 AR052147) Keywords: physical functioning, grip strength, bone mineral density (BMD)

C-08

“Cellulose-Degrading Ability of Actinobacteria Associated with the Termite Nasutitermes costalis”

Yoana L. Guzman, Emanuel Méndez Morales, Matías J. Cafaro, PhD


Actinobacteria are known for their ability to produce secondary metabolites that inhibit growth of other microorganisms. Also, they are capable of degrading complex polysaccharides such as chitin and cellulose.


________________________________________________________________


$("

"The Actinobacteria function in protecting the host from pathogenic microorganisms and providing access to nutrients that they cannot degrade. In this study we want to determine the cellulose-degrading ability of Actinobacteria isolated from the gut and the nest of the termite Nasutitermes costalis, which is a xylophagous termite in Puerto Rico. Actinobacteria were isolated and identified from the termite gut and the nest in a previous study. We screened all Actinobacteria isolates for cellulose degradation using a qualitative plate assay method. We detected 42 isolates capable of degrading cellulose from the gut of the termite, and 46 isolates able to degrade cellulose from the nest, which were further analyzed. We used a quantitative method to characterize the degradation process. Cell growth was determined through optical density. Isolates were cultivated in cellulose agar for 72 hours at 25°C. Iodine staining was used to observe the hydrolysis halo and recorded. The qualitative test revealed that 88% of the bacteria in the termite gut tested were positive for cellulose degradation, and 90.2% of the bacteria in the nest were also positive. The quantitative test revealed that bacteria in the termite gut produce a degradation halo between 10 mm to 44mm of diameter, and the bacteria in the nest produce a degradation halo between 6mm to 32mm. Keywords:

C-09

“Uptake and transport of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4/DMSA nanoparticles in Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) plants”

Meilyn E. Rivera Peña1, Leany Lugo Aviles2,Giovanny Echeandía1, Reinaldo J. Agostini2, Martha L.

López-Moreno, PhD3

1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Department of Industrial Biotechnology, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

3Department of Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Nanotechnology research, development, and commercial exploitation are currently increasing worldwide. Regulations concerning to disposal or manipulation of nanomaterials are not being established. Due to his fact, the determination of properties, conditions and effects influenced by the distribution of nanoparticles in the environment (distinguishing between natural and fabricated nanomaterials) must be addressed to do a risk assessment on this emerging technology. In this research, mesquite plants were evaluated for the uptake of Fe3O4 and Fe3O4 covered with DMSA (dimercapto succinic acid) nanoparticles (NPs) in hydroponic treatments (for two weeks) when exposed to concentrations ranged from 0 to 1000 ppm. Iron and nutrient quantification was performed for four different parts of the plant (roots, stems, leaves, and true leaves) by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). Data shows that Fe3O4/DMSA was less accessible by up taking as Fe3O4 by the mesquite plants in all range of concentrations. Otherwise the roots of the plant in Fe3O4/DMSA solution were the most retainer part for all the elements examined and it decreases when approaching to the aerial part of the specimen. Moreover, macronutrient and micronutrient absorption capacity of the mesquite plant was determined as well as chlorophyll content and growth of the mesquite plants. Chlorophyll content in mesquite leaves treated with Fe3O4 NPs decreased when plants were exposed to 62.5 and 125 ppm of Fe3O4 NPs compared to control leaves. However, when plants were exposed to 500 and 1000 ppm of Fe3O4 NPs, chlorophyll content was increased. Leaves from plants exposed to Fe3O4/DMSA NPs had an inverse behavior. Higher chlorophyll content was found at 62.5 and 125 ppm of Fe3O4/DMSA NPs and decreased when exposed to 1000 ppm of Fe3O4/DMSA NPs. Acknowledgements: Authors acknowledge CETARS program for the financial support. Keywords: nanoparticles, Prosopis juliflora


________________________________________________________________


$)"

!C-10

“Analysis of APE1 re-localization in a Lung Adenocarcinoma Cancer cell line”

Paola Andrea Soto Pérez, Tadahide Izumi, PhD

University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez University of Kentucky

Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 (APE1) is an important multifunctional protein. It plays an essential role in the DNA Base Excision Repair pathway, involved in the repair of damaged or abasic nucleotides. APE1, normally concentrated within the nucleus has a cytoplasmic subcellular localization that has been associated with certain cancer malignancy. To examine APE1 localization we studied APE1 in the adenocarcinoma lung cancer cell line, A549, and the breast cancer cell line, MCF7. We also investigated the effects of short DNA oligonucleotides on APE1 re-localization to the cytosol from the nucleus and optimized the tracking of endogenous APE1 in plasmid-transfected cells. A549 and MCF7 cells were transfected with different plasmids or oligonucleotides and observed APE1 localization using immunofluorescence against endogenous APE1. Results indicated that endogenous APE1 was re-localized to the cytosol with more frequency in the A549 cell line than in MCF7 when transfected with full length XRCC1-ECFP while transfection with a C-terminally truncated XRCC1 ($XRCC1-ECFP) showed a smaller percentage of cells with cytosolic APE1. When transfected with the oligonucleotide, both cell lines behaved similarly. The cytosolic APE1 was around 3% for both cell lines, what suggests that the small DNA is not sufficient to induce APE1 re-localization. APE1 re-localization may be a stress response of the cell to exogenous DNA. In A549 cells the stress is significant enough to induce a response that may possibly lead to cell death. Future studies will need to be conducted to identify the pathway that induces the re-localization in lung tumor cells and tissues. Keywords: APE1, re-localization, Endonuclease-1

C-11 “Generation of metagenomic libraries from fresh, saltwater, and water reservoirs in Puerto

Rico”

Laura M. del Valle Pérez, Carlos Ríos-Velázquez, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

An increment of antimicrobial resistant organisms has been observed. According to the World Health Organization, 440,000 new cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) emerge annually; a substantial number, being only for MDR-TB. Meanwhile, the hit rate of find or develop novel antimicrobial agents has decreases considerably and the antibiotics rediscovery is approximately 99.9%. Emerging disciplines such as metagenomics have become novel molecular strategies to understand function in such important biomedical issue. Responding to this global concern we pretend to find genes involved in antibiosis using aquatic metagenomic libraries (AMLs). For this, a DNA extraction optimization was performed considering water filtration quantity, membrane pore size (0.25 and 0.45%m) and time consumption; comparing direct DNA extraction non-commercial protocols (NC) with commercial ones (C). Less time consuming C protocols yields DNA concentrations verifiable on gels by filtering by a 0.45%m membrane 100mL-500mL of sample. From this results, AMLs into a pCCFOS1 were constructed from Guajataca water reservoir (GWR), Playa Sucia beach (PS), and Río Grande de Añasco river (RGA) samples using direct DNA extraction protocol (C). Two AMLs were generated from GWR which have approximately 2,500,000 and 3,000,000 clones, with a 75% and 100% insert present respectively. Meanwhile, the AML of PS and RGA have approximately 1,500 clones and 87,000 clones respectively. PS library have an average of 80% DNA insert while RGA have 70%. There is work in progress to monitor the libraries for novel antimicrobial production, and to gain a better understanding of the diversity present in


________________________________________________________________


$*"

"the tested environments. Keywords: Metagenomics, aquatic bodies, antimicrobial agents production

C-12 “Effects of the Overexpression of Programmed Cell Death Related Genes MmBid, MmBax

and AtCytc in Arabidopsis thaliana”

Nicole Colon Carrion, Ronghui Pan, Jianping Hu University of Puerto Rico – Cayey

MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan State University, East Lansing

Program Cell Death plays a vital role in the annihilation of undesirable cells in eukaryotic species. Plant PCD is essential for plant development and stress response. In contrast to the well-characterized animal apoptosis machinery, plant PCD is poorly understood at the molecular level. Several morphological and biochemical similarities between apoptosis and plant PCD have been described, such as DNA fragmentation and cytochrome c (cyt c) release. In apoptosis, two protein factors, Bid and BAX, and cardiolipin (CL), a unique mitochondrial membrane structural lipid, play pivotal roles in apoptotic cyt c release. A model is proposed, in which cyt c, BID and BAX-like proteins cooperate to promote the redistribution of CL via vesicles in PCD. Here, we plan to analyze the localization of three PCD related proteins through fluorescence microscopy. Mammalian PCD related factors Bid and Bax, and Arabidopsis Cytochrome c were overexpressed in Nicotiana tabacum and Arabidopsis thaliana to elucidate the mechanism of plant PCD. The coding sequences of Bid, Bax and Cyt c were amplified using specific primers containing nucleotides of the attB sites.Using Agrobacterium Transformation the genes were transferred to Arabidopsis.The overexpression of the PCD related factors were monitored in Nicotiana tabacum for four days.Results showed that mammalian protein Bax induced leaf necrosis. Using fluorescence microscopy, the localization of these proteins was analyzed, reveling that the PCD related proteins Bax and t-Bid were localized in mitochondria. Understanding the mechanims of PCD in plants will not only elucidate its plant specific functions, but may provide implications in human biology. Keywords: apoptosis, BAX,BID, cyt c, CL, necrosis

C-13 “Determination of the Inhibitory Capacity of Actinobacteria against Candida albicans and

Candida guilliermondii”

Lorraine Nicole Vélez Torres, Matías J. Cafaro, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Humans were not the first organisms to use microbes to deal with pathogens. This is thought to be a common host defense mechanism. The extensive literature about social insects (such as ants, bees, wasps and termites) developing mutualistic associations with antibiotic-producing Actinobacteria supports this idea. Our sources of natural products against antibiotic-resistant bacteria in nosocomial infections are coming to an abrupt stop. The discovery that many insect species form associations with microbes to protect themselves from pathogens has spiked the interest in this research area. Actinobacteria are Gram-positive, filamentous bacteria that are ubiquitous in soil and produce the majority of known antibiotics. In this research we want to study the inhibitory capacity of Actinobacteria associated with Nasutitermes costalis, which is a common termite in Puerto Rico, against the pathogenic fungi Candida albicans and Candida guilliermondii. Candida species are among the most frequent nosocomial pathogens, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality. We have previously isolated and identified Actinobacteria from the exoskeleton and intestine of N. costalis and most of our isolates belong to the genus Streptomyces, well-known antibiotic producers. We evaluated the inhibitory capacity of 9 Streptomyces strains against C. albicans and C. guilliermondii fungi through bioassays. Our results show growth inhibition of 77.7% and


________________________________________________________________


%+"

"55.5% of C. albicans and C. guilliermondii, respectively. The Actinobacteria with more capacity of inhibition were W1SE179[1] against C. albicans and D1SI287[14] against C. guililermondii with 18 mm and 20 mm of inhibition halo, respectively. These effective inhibitors could provide an alternative source for antifungal compounds. Keywords:

C-14

“Phosphate-solubilization by bacteria associated with the fiddler crab, Uca rapax, from mangroves in Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico”

Jonathan Maymi Guadalupe, Victoria Cabán Figueroa, Verónica Figueroa Negrón, Matías Cafaro, PhD


Fiddle crabs are very unique detritivorous specie that feed with organic material of the deposit in mangrove. They use their mouthpart as a filter to extract the organic particles of the sediment in mangroves and transported to their gut to be digested, helped by a group of bacteria. Bacteria capable of solubilize phosphate are very important in all ecosystems. Mangroves are no exception; furthermore, being in coastal marine environments, phosphate limitations are even more stringent. We investigate phosphate solubilization capacity of 42 strains of bacteria previously isolated from the hindgut of the fiddler crab, Uca rapax, which inhabits mangroves. We expected that bacteria associated with the intestine of this crustacean, would be able to solubilize phosphate because the in bacteria have this function in environment where phosphate is restricted. Selected isolates belong to the genera Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Paracoccus, Achromobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, Geobacillus, Micrococcus, Brachybacterium, Vibrio, Bosea, Bacillus, Microbacterium and Streptomyces. Each isolate was inoculated in Pikovskaya's agar in triplicate. This specialized medium contains calcium phosphate, dextrose, which acts as the carbon source, various salts and yeast extract that support growth. Positive results were observed as clear halos around the bacterial colony that contrasted with the white flocculant precipitate appearance of the medium. The results showed that 45% of the isolates were capable of solubilize phosphate, including isolates of Streptomyces, Geobacillus, Vibrio, Paenibacillus, Bosea, Pseudomona, Klebsiella and Bacillus. This result helps us to conclude that the bacteria sustain the crab to survive and prosper in the mangrove by recycling the sediment. Keywords:

C-15

“Searching for fungal bioprospects capable of metabolizing 2,4,6 trinitrotoluene (TNT)”

Kimberly Ruiz-Rosado, José M. Vargas-Muñiz, Carlos Ríos-Velázquez, PhD University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Fungi are characterized for their cell wall made of chitin, tubular structures (hyphae) and saprophytic capabilities. Its morphological diversity and physiological versatility are also distinguishing traits. Fungi have been used for environmental applications in bioremediation, being capable of degrading complex molecules and hydrocarbons. Fungi are also the major producers of laccases, enzymes highly associated with hydrocarbons degradation. TNT or 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene is a complex hydrocarbon used for explosives development and military practices. Its incorrect disposal presents a health and environmental issues, requiring ways to be bioremediated. This research seeks to identify and characterize fungal bioprospects capable of metabolizing TNT. The presence of laccases activity was determined by scoring the ability of the fungal candidate to oxidize the substrate indicators syringaldazine, and guaiacol. Also, the fungal bioprospects where tested for TNT degradation by inoculating on potato dextrose broth (PDB) supplemented with TNT (2ppm), except the negative control. The media was incubated for two weeks, collecting samples every three days. Each sample was analyzed using High Performance Liquid


________________________________________________________________


%!"

"Chromatography (HPLC) with a mobile phase of 70% water and 30% methanol. The peak on the chromatogram corresponding to TNT appeared 7.2 minutes approximately after injection for each sample. According to these results, three candidates were capable of degrading TNT at different rates. Although there was a reduction of TNT, the media did not present degradation which suggests the assimilation of TNT. Also, only one of the candidates showed the presence of laccase. Finally, molecular characterization involved genomic DNA extraction, and amplification of 18S rDNA and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions by PCR. The amplicons were further sequenced and in silico evaluated. The ITS analysis suggests that the bioprospects belong to the Aspergillus sidowii, Aspergillus nomius and Trichosporon asahii species. Experiments are in progress to understand the bioprospects usage of TNT and the presence of laccases by using gene(s) amplification. The fungal capability of metabolizing TNT will serve as a bio- technological tool to bioremediate environments contaminated with this compound. Keywords:

Agricultural Sciences and Marine Sciences

D-01 “Evaluación de ovocitos madurados in vitro provenientes de ganado lechero y de carne bajo

condiciones de estrés térmico en Puerto Rico”

Lisa M. Dillon Fuentes1, María A. Márquez1, Héctor Sánchez1, John Fernández Van Cleve, PhD1, Melvin Pagán1, Carlos J. Rodríguez Sallaberry, PhD2

1Departament of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez 2Departament of Agriculture Technology, University of Puerto Rico – Utuado

Puerto Rico está ubicado dentro de la zona tropical, caracterizada por clima húmedo y condiciones de constante calor. Como resultado, el ganado bovino está todo el año expuesto a condiciones de estrés térmico moderado o severo provocando un decrecimiento en eficiencia reproductiva. El objetivo de este proyecto fue evaluar el efecto de las condiciones ambientales sobre viabilidad y termo-tolerancia de ovocitos bovinos madurados in vitro. Se colectaron 47 ovarios de vacas Holstein (ganado lechero) y 40 ovarios de vacas tipo carne (Senepol, Cebú y cruces) obtenidos en los macelos Ganadería Santiago y Hermanos Alvarado entre diciembre y febrero [época de estrés termal moderado (E1) cuyas temperaturas del área norte promedian entre 21°C a 27°C y en el sur de 19°C a 31°C] y durante los meses de septiembre a noviembre [época de estrés termal severo (E4) con temperaturas que promedian entre 22°C a 29°C en el norte y 21°C a 32°C en el sur]. Se colectaron 307 ovocitos provenientes de folículos de 2–8mm y fueron madurados in vitro durante 22hrs. en una incubadora con ambiente humidificado y 5% CO2. Los ovocitos provenientes de vacas tipo carne tuvieron mejores tasas de maduración comparados con aquellos provenientes de vacas Holstein durante E4 [80% (carne) vs. 56% (leche); P<0.05]. A su vez, los ovocitos de vacas tipo carne presentaron mayor maduración durante E4 [80%] que durante E1 [56%]; (P<0.05). Estos resultados sugieren que vacas de carne producen ovocitos mejor adaptados a las condiciones ambientales predominantes en Puerto Rico.

Keywords:


________________________________________________________________


%#"

!D-02

“Evaluación de un espectrofotómetro comercial como método no subjetivo para la determinación del color de la yema en huevos de codorniz japonesa (Coturnix coturnix

japonica)”

Paul Brayan Cordero Villarrubia, René Delgado, Alexandra Taboada, Adriana Alonso, Gretchen Colón, Claudia Acevedo, Viviana Colón, Samuel Prieto, Alejandra Torres, José Latorre, Orlando Ortega, Gladycia

Muñiz, Héctor L. Sánchez Rodríguez Departament of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Debido a que el abanico de colores Roche (ACR; el estándar usado para determinación del color de la yema en huevos) puede ser de naturaleza subjetiva se han desarrollado otros métodos (i.e., espectrofotometría) capaces de tomar medidas de color de forma objetiva. Sin embargo, estos instrumentos han sido validados en huevos de tamaño mediano (i.e., gallina), dejando indefinida su posible capacidad para analizar huevos de menor tamaño (i.e., codorniz; Coturnix coturnix japonica). Por esto, el presente estudio evaluó el desempeño del espectrofotómetro “EggAnalyzer” (ORKA Instruments) al determinar el color de la yema en esta especie. Huevos de codornices (N=412) las cuales recibieron dieta comercial (CONTROL; n=279), dieta comercial + pigmento amarillo (OroGlo; carotenoides de caléndula; AMARILLO; n=133) o dieta comercial + pigmento rojo (Canthaxanthin; carotenoides de hongos comestibles; ROJO; n=266), para producir yemas con diferentes tonalidades, fueron analizados mediante el ACR y espectrofotometría (escala 1-15; 1 = pálido y 15 = intenso). Los datos fueron analizados mediante los procedimientos GLM y CORR de SAS. El ACR detectó diferencias en color asociadas a la dieta con ROJO > CONTROL > AMARILLO (6.61±0.34, 3.89±0.09 y 2.93±0.12, respectivamente; P<0.0001). El mismo comportamiento fue observado para el espectrofotómetro con 4.47±0.23, 3.09±0.10 y 1.98±0.12 para ROJO, CONTROL y AMARILLO, respectivamente (P<0.0001). Coeficientes de correlación de 0.24 (P=0.0013), 0.48 (P<0.0001) y 0.74 (P<0.0001) fueron observados entre el espectrofotómetro y el ACR para CONTROL, AMARILLO y ROJO, respectivamente. En huevos de codorniz con yemas de colores poco intensos el espectrofotómetro no fue capaz de brindar valores confiables. Keywords: Coturnix coturnix japonica; color de la yema; abanico de colores Roche

D-03

“Efecto del estado de salud uterina y la época del año sobre la morfología del ovocito recuperado de vacas lecheras en Puerto Rico”

María Alexandra Márquez Lema, Lisa Dillon, Héctor Sánchez, John Fernández Van Cleve, PhD, Melvin

Pagan y Carlos J. Rodríguez Sallaberry, PhD Departament of Animal Science, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Departament of Agriculture Technology, University of Puerto Rico – Utuado

El problema de estrés termal en el ganado lechero de Puerto Rico es de naturaleza crónica. Se ha reportado que dicha situación afecta negativamente el desarrollo folicular debido a una perturbación del crecimiento y desarrollo del ovocito dentro del folículo. Esta reducción en eficiencia reproductiva, la cual puede verse agravada por enfermedades uterinas, se ve reflejada en la producción de ovocitos de baja calidad morfológica. El objetivo de este proyecto fue comparar la morfología de ovocitos recolectados durante cuatro temporadas del año: dic.-feb. (E1), mar.-may. (E2), jun.-ago. (E3), sep.-nov. (E4), de tractos reproductivos de vacas Holstein catalogados como saludables o enfermos. Se colectaron 68 tractos reproductivos (54 saludables - 14 enfermos) en el macelo Hermanos Alvarado en Arecibo. En estos se colectaron un total de 803 ovocitos provenientes de folículos de tamaños entre 2–8 mm, los cuales fueron evaluados estereoscópicamente y clasificados de acuerdo a la cantidad de capas celulares del complejo cúmulo-ovocito (COC; >3 capas, <3 capas, semidesnudo, desnudo). Los ovocitos provenientes de vacas sanas tuvieron capas de células del COC significativamente mayor a los obtenidos de vacas con tractos enfermos (38.11% vs. 5.85; p<0.05). Por otro lado, solamente los ovocitos colectados en E4 mostraron por-


________________________________________________________________


%$"

"cientos superiores para presencia de capas del COC (13.20 y 8.47%, respectivamente), observándose una mayor proporción de ovocitos desnudos en las otras temporadas (p<0.0001). Estos resultados sugieren que la calidad de los ovocitos obtenidos de vacas Holstein se ve afectada negativamente por la salud del tracto uterino y por la temporada del año. Keywords: Coturnix coturnix japonica; color de la yema; abanico de colores Roche

D-04

“Incidencia de Sclerotium rolfsii y Rhizoctonia solani en suelo de uso continuo para la siembra de la Yautía (Xanthosoma sp.)”

Yara I. Rosado Rivera, Angel Bosques, Mildred Zapata


La yautía (Xanthosoma sp.) pertenece a la familia de las Aráceas y representa uno de los cultivos de raíces y tubérculos de mayor demanda en Puerto Rico. Éste ha ido en decadencia desde los años 90 debido a una enfermedad conocida como el “complejo del mal seco”. A este complejo se asocian diferentes hongos patógenos de plantas tal como: Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani, Phytium sp., y Phytophtora infestans. En este estudio se presentan datos sobre la detección de hongos patógenos asociados al mal seco en suelo de uso continuo proveniente de la Estación Experimental Agrícola de Isabela, PR. Los datos se tomaron cada 15 días a partir de la siembra de semillas de yautía, en una escala de 1-5 (menor a mayor) para la presencia de hongos. Además, se comparó el porcentaje de germinación de las plantas con suelo de uso continuo y suelo comercial. Se detectó la incidencia de dos hongos asociados al mal seco: Sclerotium rolfsii y Rhizoctonia solani. Mediante análisis estadístico (ANOVA) se buscó una relación entre las medias de los hongos y los días de observación. A los 60 días la detección de S. rolfsii fue significativamente mayor que R. solani. El porcentaje de germinación en suelo continuo fue de 84.5% mientras que para el suelo comercial fue de un 100%. Podemos concluir que la utilización de suelos de uso continuo mantiene una fuente de inoculo primario de hongos patógenos asociados al mal seco por lo que el porcentaje de germi- nación de la semilla puede disminuir. Keywords: Yautía, Mal seco, Sclerotium rolfsii, Rhizoctonia solani

D-05

“Evaluation of different mango (Mangifera indica l.) cultivars in the process to obtain the fruit’s natural essence with a solvent extraction method”

Eduardo J. Diaz, María L. Plaza, Edna Negron, PhD, Javier Huertas

Food Science and Technology Program, University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez

Mango is an exotic and popular fruits due to its unique taste and aroma, which could be found in a number of processed food products. In the food industry, many of these products lose their natural aroma and flavor during processing, therefore a wide variety of natural or artificial flavors are commercially available. An evaluation of different extraction techniques was conducted in order to obtain an essence from the mango pulp that resembles the natural fruit. Six mango cultivars (Irwin, Osteen, Jacqueline, Pascual, Palmer and Tommy Atkins) were studied. Characterization of each variety was conducted including: acidity, pH, water activity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and the nutritional content by Proximate Analysis. Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) technique was combined with Gas Chromathography –Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine their aroma compounds. More than 30 volatile compounds were identified; 12 were terpene hydrocarbons including: &-pinene, '-pinene, sylvestrene, gurjunene, '-selinene, 3-carene, myrcene, limonene, p-cymene, terpinolene, &-copaene, and caryophyllene. For most of the cultivars, 3-carene signal was overlapped by &-pinene due to the similar mass spectra. Although this was not a quantitative analysis, a high peak area for &-pinene was observed for all the cultivars. For the mango extracts (of all the mango cultivars studied), 3-carene, limonene, terpinolene and caryophyllene were the most predominant and


________________________________________________________________


%%"

"consistent compounds identified with the ethanol solvent extraction. Solvent extraction at low temperatures was the most efficient technique over distillation, because high temperatures promoted decomposition of volatile compounds present in the mango essence. Keywords: Mango, Essential oil, Volatile composition


________________________________________________________________


%&"

"Abstracts, Oral, and Poster Judges

Carlos A. Acevedo Suárez, PhD

Víctor Huérfano Moreno, PhD

Richard S. Appeldoorn, PhD

James Joyce, PhD

Emmanuel Arzuaga, PhD, PE Leyda V. León Colón, PhD

Iván J. Baigés Valentín, PhD, PE

Edgardo Lorenzo González, PhD

Sonia Bartolomei Suárez, PhD

Lourdes Medina Avilés, PhD

Fernando J. Bird Picó, PhD

Mayra I. Méndez Piñero, PhD

Héctor J. Carlo, PhD, PE

Lynette Orellana Feliciano, PhD

Jesús D. Chinea Rivera, PhD

Ingrid Y. Padilla Cestero, PhD

Jorge E. Corredor García, PhD

Elsie I. Parés Matos, PhD

María C. Curet Arana, PhD

Leyda Ponce de León, PhD

Jorge R. García, PhD

Luis Ríos Hernández, PhD

Fernando Gilbes Santaella, PhD

Carlos Ríos Velázquez, PhD

William Hernández Rivera, PhD, PE

Nilka M. Rivera Portalatín, PhD

""


________________________________________________________________


%'"

"Betzabé Rodríguez Álamo, PhD

Carlos J. Santos Flores, PhD

Manuel Rodríguez Martínez, PhD

David Suleiman Rosado, PhD, PE

Carlos Rodríguez Minguela, PhD

Rebecca Tirado Corbala, PhD

Erick A. Roura Dávila, PhD

Pedro A. Torres Saavedra, PhD

Héctor Santiago Anadón, PhD

John M. Uscian, PhD

Nayda G. Santiago Santiago, PhD, PE

Marisol Vera Colón, PhD

"


________________________________________________________________


%("

"Notes

"


________________________________________________________________


%)"

"Notes

2nd SACNAS Annual Symposiumsacnasuprmcyt.weebly.com/.../0/25700127/sacnas_uprm...The SACNAS UPRM...

Documents

Transcript of 2nd SACNAS Annual Symposiumsacnasuprmcyt.weebly.com/.../0/25700127/sacnas_uprm...The SACNAS UPRM...